The Islander Newspaper E-Edition: Wednesday, Feb. 05, 2025

Annie’s outlook: ‘Not good.’

County seeks solution for condemned waterfront business

By Lisa Neff Islander Reporter

Manatee County commissioners took the bait at a meeting loaded with supporters of a Cortez institution damaged by the 2024 hurricanes.

Commissioners now are seeking solutions to revitalize a red-tagged business adjacent to the Seafood Shack.

Commissioners, meeting Jan. 28 at the county administration building in Bradenton, unanimously agreed to direct staff to look for options to preserve Annie’s Bait & Tackle after hearing pleas against a potential demolition that would impact business and village preservation and end an era.

Annie’s operator Bruce Shearer, who has owned the business since 1996, estimated the cost to repair the property at $5,000. “That’s all the damage I got,” he said.

Cortez business owner Capt. Kathe Fannon suggested villagers could put Annie’s back together again and “it’s not going to take that much.”

The pleas proved persuasive. Commissioners had heard from deputy county administrator Bryan Parnell at the start of the discussion that Annie’s

could not be salvaged but they eventually were swayed to look beyond the county assessment.

The waterfront fixture, popular with fishers, boaters and diners, is north of the Cortez Bridge, adjacent to the Seafood Shack restaurant and marina, all which were acquired by the county Dec. 31, 2024, to create the Cortez Marina public boating facility. The $13 million purchase from Vandyk 1st Gulf Coast was underway prior to the devastation brought by Hurricanes Helene and Milton last fall.

“We discussed how we could keep operations going on the marina for the two and a half years before we can build something new and get something in place,” Parnell said.

But, he added, “post-hurricanes, it’s not an option for us anymore.”

Parnell said the structures were so severely damaged that their repair would go beyond a federal 50% rule.

But after public comments, all in favor of Annie’s preservation, Commissioner Jason Bearden, District 6, said he wanted the county to investigate how to save the snack bar, bait, tackle and gas business.

“County Administrator Bishop, I need you to figure out how to make that building up to code to make Annie’s continue, no ifs, ands, or buts,” Bearden said.

Eventually Bearden’s order was put into a motion that Bishop would bring back in 30 days the options to retain Annie’s. The measure passed unanimously.

The day after the meeting, Commissioner Tal Siddique, District 3, which includes Cortez and Anna Maria Island, met with county staff at Annie’s for an inspection, the start of the 30-day review.

The other commissioners plan to hold similar reviews with staff, each at a different time to avoid a violation of Florida’s Government-in-the-Sunshine Laws.

Commissioner’s

view

One day after the motion passed (Jan. 28) to find options to save Annie’s Bait & Tackle in Cortez, I was first on the ground with county leadership on a

comprehensive tour of the property.

Administrator Charlie Bishop, deputy administrator Bryan Parnell, property management director Cary Knight, natural resources director Charlie Hunsicker, sports and leisure director Molly White, a building inspector, numerous support staff and general contractors were boots on the ground with me.

We assessed the condition of the fuel tank, the dock and the interior of the building. We reviewed the damage assessment report and spoke to (owner) Bruce Shearer and daughter Anna.

While other board members have yet to tour the property, I found the outlook was not good for the current structure. I do not believe the current structure can be repaired.

It will need a rebuild to current code.

The condition of the fuel tank is unknown and a significant portion of the dock is gone. The interior is unrecognizable.

Meanwhile, we are allowing Annie’s owner free access to recover his property and belongings.

— Tal Siddique, Manatee County District 3 commissioner

Anna Maria sees progress, county opens Kingfish in HB

In Anna Maria, the mayor is on vacation and Vice Mayor Charlie Salem, chairman of the commission, filled The Islander in on the current activities.

Salem noted that the first phase of the Pine Avenue Restoration project began with pavers being laid for the meandering sidewalk.

He said that the geotechnical work on the city pier is continuing and, at City Pier Park, the contractor poured the footers for a shade sail for the playground.

Salem also said in a Jan. 30 email to The Islander that the city has completed paving on the side roads, where the road base caved in as a result of the hurricanes in 2024.

In Holmes Beach, Mayor Judy Titsworth emailed The Islander Jan. 30 with “good news.”

She said, “Things are going great with the county. George and Tal have been great to work with, referring to districtwide Commissioner George Kruse and District 3 Commissioner Tal Siddique, whose district includes AMI. She said Siddique keeps her informed

beach city field is ready for restoration following months of debris collection, storage, processing and removal — all being reimbursed from FeMA funding. Islander

on items coming up on the county agenda that might impact us. “It has been years since we have had a representative looking out for the best interests of our citizens and I appreciate his hard work.”

Titsworth also said she’d been in conversation with Elliott Falcione, executive director of the Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, which oversees the Gulf Islands Ferry, and they are looking at adding a ferry stop at Kingfish Boat Ramp.

“Falcione asked if I had any objections and I told him I believe that Kingfish Boat Ramp is really the only location in our city that could accommodate this use and, as long as it doesn’t displace the local boaters who rely on this boat ramp, then I am all in,” the mayor wrote.

Titsworth added that she anticipates this added use for Kingfish is in the works at the county for future site plan consideration by the Holmes Beach city commission.

“I am so pleased that Kingfish Boat Ramp is back open after repairs were made due to damage sustained by both Helene and Milton. This was a huge effort and I thank the county for getting this done as quickly as possible,” she said.

Also from Holmes Beach, Sage Kamiya, city engineer and public works director, reported in a Jan. 30 email that in the past week the city completed debris removal at city field and restoration was underway.

County puts eyes on vacation rental registration

County commissioners at the 11th hour agreed to pursue a possible ordinance for short-term vacation rentals.

Commissioner Tal Siddique of District 3, which includes Anna Maria Island, Cortez and much of west Manatee south of the river, raised the idea as a Jan. 28 board meeting neared its end — about 11 p.m. The meeting at the county administration building in Bradenton had started at 9 a.m.

Siddique called for the drafting of an ordinance that could include mandatory registration for vacation rentals, the designation of responsible parties for properties, safety inspections, parking requirements, maximum occupancy limits and advertising restrictions.

The commissioner, who took his seat following the November 2024 election, said he was most concerned with safety and protecting the integrity of neighborhoods.

His call for a draft ordinance was supported by most other commissioners when they voted 6-1 on a motion made by Commissioner Amanda Ballard, District 2, to go forward with matter.

Commissioner Jason Bearden, District 6, was the no vote. He said the state already regulates short-term vacation rentals.

— Lisa Neff

County tourist council gains 2 new members, 1 islander

by Lisa Neff Islander Reporter

The Manatee County Tourist Development Council gained two new members Jan. 28 when county commissioners appointed a Holmes Beach commissioner and a Palmetto hotelier to fill out the board.

Commissioner Dan Diggins takes the seat vacated by Shirley Groover Bryant, who did not run for the mayoral office in November 2024.

The hotelier, Anthony DeRusso, managing partner of the Palmetto Marriott Resort & Spa, takes the seat vacated by islander Ed Chiles, who sold some business interests last year, including a share in a short-term rental, prompting his resignation from the council after 25 years.

Eyes on the road

Cortez Bridge utility relocation project: State Road 684/Cortez Road from 121st Street Court West in Cortez to Gulf Drive South in Bradenton Beach. The Manatee County Public Works Department is relocating a water main and force main Intracoastal crossing. Continuing through March, a contractor is installing pipe on the north side of Cortez Road West between 127th Street West and 124th Court West and the shoulder of 124th Court West will be closed. Also, through early- to mid-February, a contractor will drill and ream in the right of way along the south side of Cortez Road. Work is 7 a.m.-7 p.m. weekdays.

For more information on the Cortez Road/Cortez Bridge project, contact Tina Allen, community outreach representative for the project, at 941-306-4660 or info@amiprojects.io.

For area road watch information, go online to swflroads.com or dial 511

— Lisa Neff

Three people applied for the seat reserved for an elected official: Diggins, Palmetto Mayor Daniel West and Longboat Key Commissioner Debra Williams. Commissioner Tal Siddique, District 3, nominated Diggins and Commissioner Jason Bearden, District 6, nominated West.

Diggins won the vote 5-2 after several commissioners spoke about the importance of geographic balance on the council, mentioning the TDC is chaired by Commissioner Amanda Ballard, representing Palmetto in District 2, and implying that DeRusso would get the hotelier appointment on the next vote.

Four people applied for the seat reserved for a hotelier but only DeRusso was nominated. His term will end in June.

The other applicants included developer Shawn Kaleta of Prime Hotels and Prime Vacations in Holmes Beach; property manager Lisa Varano of Wagner Realty in Holmes Beach and broker Damian Hernandez of Short Term Florida Rentals LLC in Bradenton.

In his application for the appointment, DeRusso wrote, “I have a vested interest in the success of Manatee County’s tourism industry as the managing director of the largest hotel in the county and as an asset manager for hospitality properties on Anna Maria Island.”

Islander archive 24/7

Some years ago, The Islander was invited to share its archives dating back to the first edition in 1992 with the University of Florida George A. Smathers Libraries. .

It’s all maintained on the UofF library site, searchable by key word, name or date. Look for The Islander in the stacks at the UofF Florida digital newspaper collection at ufdc.ufl.edu.

Diggins, in his application, said, “I wish to make sure TDC funds are distributed to each community based upon needs and qualifications.” His term will end in June 2028.

The nine-member TDC advises the county commission on how to spend the tourist development tax revenue, which under state law must go to develop tourism and tourist amenities, such as funding for replacing the Anna Maria City Pier and beach renourishment programs on the island.

Other members include Bradenton Mayor Gene Brown; hoteliers Jiten Patel, Eric Cairns and Rahul Patel and citizen members Dave Wick and Norma Kennedy.

The advisory board’s next meeting will be at 9 a.m. Monday, Feb. 24, at Bradenton City Hall, 101 12th St. W.

Q&A 020525

by Lisa Neff

Last week’s question

Months after Milton and Helene, my main concern is for…

Whether residents can rebuild. 44%.

Whether businesses can survive. 31%.

The state of the beaches. 12%.

Loss of tourism. 10%.

Continued unemployment. 4%.

This week’s question

What’s the best Valentine’s Day gift?

A. Jewelry.

B. Flowers.

C. Fine candy.

D. Romantic dinner.

E. Couple’s activity.

To answer the poll, go online to islander.org.

To suggest a poll question, email lisa@islander. org.

▼ Modern Chop Happy Hour 11:30-6 Light Bite Specials 4-6, lounge only.

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▲ Wine Down Wednesday, 5O% OFF Wines by the Glass

▼ Live Maine Lobster Thursdays, plus Happy Hour all nite in the lounge.

Island happenings

2025 Founders Cup set for Bradenton course

From Feb. 6-9, golf fans can watch some of the world’s best professional golfers at the 2025 Founders Cup presented by U.S. Virgin Islands.

A star-studded field is set to compete at the Bradenton Country Club, including Bradenton resident Nelly Korda, who has been No. 1 in the Rolex Women’s World Golf Rankings for 45 consecutive weeks.

She’ll be joined by Rolex Rankings No. 2 Lydia Ko. In 2024, the Bradenton club hosted a playoff between Korda and Ko at the LPGA Drive On Championship. Korda defeated Ko in a two-hole playoff, marking her first victory in more than a year.

Korda and Ko are two of 25 major champions in the Founders Cup field. Others are Ayaka Furue, Yuka Saso, Hyo Joo Kim, Jin Young Ko, Minjee Lee, Lauren Coughlin, Linnea Strom, Rio Takeda and

The Florida Highwaymen exhibited at Palma Sola park

A program featuring The Florida Highwaymen art will open at the Palma Sola Botanical Park, 9800 17th Ave. NW, Bradenton, Friday-Saturday, Feb. 7-8.

Who were the Highwaymen? The National Museum of African American History and Culture says: “Renowned for their resourcefulness, speed and creativity, a group of Florida artists known as the Highwaymen employed a unique painting style as a way to assert their economic independence and agency during and after the segregation era.

“Developing a new type of art in the process, these 26 artists, including one woman, made careers by depicting the richness and variety of Florida’s landscapes. The group began in the 1950s, but their emotive works still resonate today.”

Visitors to the botanical park will find paintings, books and notecards for sale.

Also, on Feb. 7, the park will host Doretha Hair Truesdell, widow of Highwayman Alfred Hair, speaking about the history of the group.

Highwaymen Curtis Arnett and Al Black, along with relatives of other painters in the group, also may attend.

The program Feb. 7 will be 7-9 p.m.

The program Feb. 8 will be 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

For more information, call the park at 941-7612866.

DEVINE DESIGN

Bailey Tardy.

Tickets to watch the Founders Cup are available at seatgeek.com starting at $39 for general admission.

Starting Thursday, Feb. 6, the Founders Cup Expo Village, located on the lawn behind the clubhouse, will be the hub for fans looking for a break from the on-course action.

An LPGA Shop will feature hats, polos, midlayers and accessories.

The Pacira Lesson Zone will offer fans an opportunity to receive a 10-minute lesson from an LPGA teaching professional.

Kids can enjoy games of corn hole, battle chip and inflatable skee-ball.

For more information about the Founders Cup, go to thefounderslpga.com.

Center concert rescheduled

The Robby Krieger of The Doors concert set for the Center of Anna Maria Island was rescheduled from Feb. 8 to Saturday, April 12.

The event is part of the Bradenton Gulf Islands Concert Series at the Center of Anna Maria Island, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria.

The indoor show will begin at 7 p.m., with doors opening at 6 p.m.

A notice said tickets purchased for the Feb. 8 date will be honored April 12. Tickets start at $90.

Other concerts on the calendar include John Lodge of The Moody Blues Monday, March 24, and The Infamous Stringdusters Saturday, April 5.

For more information, call the center at 941-7781908 or email info@centerami.org.

Bingo Thursdays continue in Bradenton Beach

The Annie Silver Community Center continues to hold bingo games Thursdays through the season.

The games are at 6 p.m. at the center, 103 23rd St. N., Bradenton Beach.

For more information, call Judy Pruitt at 941224-1973.

“Grasshopper” by Tim Cunningham is in the exhibit at the Artists’ Guild Gallery in Holmes beach throughout February. The gallery is at 5414 Marina Drive. Islander Courtesy Photo

Gallery resumes featured artists, night markets

The Artists’ Guild Gallery is back in business and celebrating the work of Tim Cunningham throughout February.

Cunningham is a watercolor artist who lives in Palmetto with his wife Sue.

Cunningham has exhibited at Bradenton’s Art Center Manatee and has been an exhibiting member at the Artists Guild of Anna Maria Island since 2021. He recently expanded his use of mediums to include digital art tools and abstract acrylics.

The gallery, in the Island Shopping Center at 5414 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, will hold a reception to showcase Cunningham’s work 5-7:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 14. The reception will be part of the monthly Night Markets in the City Center that also include “paint arounds” with member artists.

The events mark a resumption of activities for the gallery, which spent months undergoing repairs from hurricane damages.

For more information, call the gallery at 941-7786694.

Center presents pajama party

The Center of Anna Maria Island will host a family night Friday, Feb. 7. Hours are 6-8 p.m.

People are invited to the center, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria, for games, music, crafts and snacks “with everyone encouraged to come in their pajamas.”

For more information, call the center at 941-7781908.

Build Back the Beach

LeFT: Shaun Swartz, volunteer, gives directions Jan. 25 on planting to other volunteers at build back the beach, a planting event organized by Oyster River ecology and Good Guardian. Volunteers worked Jan. 25 and Jan. 26 at bean Point in Anna Maria where Hurricanes Helene and Milton damaged the shoreline, and the beach needed “hands and heart to rebuild their resilience and beauty,” according to the Swartz. Volunteers were assembled by the Center of Anna Maria Island. Swartz told the volunteers, “This is your chance to make a real difference for our community and environment. Together, we’ll plant native grasses and wildflowers to stabilize the dunes and protect our shoreline.”

During the event, volunteer brenna Heckler told The Islander in a Jan. 26 email, the team planted species of grasses with the goal to rebuild the beach buffer and prevent water from surging inland during storms. “We dug holes and filled them with a cornstarch gel that suspends seeds and acts as a protective boundary. Then we set the little plants, covered them with sand and let them be.”

Heckler is a lifelong island resident and Manatee High senior. She plans to attend FAU in the fall majoring in marine biology with a focus on marine conservation. Islander Photos: Courtesy brenna Heckler

“Anna Maria Island,” a pictorial history book of the island by bonner Joy is available at Island Mail & Print, 3220 e bay Drive, Holmes beach. Joy is publisher of The Islander newspaper. She launched the newspaper in 1992. She first came to the island in 1972.

Plan now for the next holiday!

Is your business ready to make the most of a new season?

Improve your odds of success with Islander newspaper readers looking to shop and dine, seeking indoor and outdoor fun, and a place to stay for their next visit. Call or text 941-778-7978.

Yes, we’re back! BEST MARKET ON AMI

Wishing for spring

I heard a weatherman on TV saying that our spring growing season will be starting soon and my ears perked up.

Of course, it’s already strawberry season, a personal favorite. I purchased some beautiful locally grown berries and introduced my 2-plus-4-month-old great-grandbaby to berries with whipped cream.

FYI, she was unsure about the whipped cream and I think that’s because she was expecting it to feel and taste like

cream.

But my point is, spring got my attention.

All I can say is “don’t blink.” Spring is typically only about two weeks in duration and on comes summer’s swelter and many days of 90-plus temps.

The spring equinox begins Thursday, March 20, but, by that date, it will definitely feel like summer.

Meteorological spring is March, April and May, based on temperature cycles and allowing us to think of the seasons in three-month blocks.

Based on the forecast, which calls for highs in our region some days in the 80s, I’m going with an early spring in Florida — nevermind that Punxsutawney Phil woke up on Groundhog Day and saw his shadow. According to legend, Phil is predicting six more weeks of winter

He’s only right about 35% of the time and he’s in Pennsylvania.

My concern is that I’ve really enjoyed the cool weather and my doors and the windows that aren’t broken have been open to fresh air since the hurricanes blew through in September-October.

In fact, Helene drowned my air conditioning unit and I’m still waiting for the new one to be installed.

With the trees bare that normally shade my home and temps in the 80s, my house will be in the high 80s by 3 p.m. and it will take hours after sunset and all the ceiling fans blasting on high to cool it down.

I’m sure many of you — The Islander’s alert readers — are familiar with this situation.

I’m lucky my home is livable. It’s been a trying situation for a lot of us and we’re still waiting for a quote on the electric at The Islander office. And walls. And an AC unit.

When will we return to normal?

First, we have to define normal.

I hope it’s when the snowbirds return and visitors flock to the beaches, the shops and boutiques, fishing guides, tour boats and restaurants and bars.

And I hope it’s soon.

And I hope my AC arrives in time to keep me and my wild little terrier cool and normal.

— bonner Joy, news@islander.org

Murphy

Restaurant news

One Christmas Eve we took our children to the St. Louis Cathedral on Jackson Square in New Orleans.

There was not much religious motivation for the visit,

but the children would experience a historical and cultural event — a Catholic mass on Christmas Eve in the heart of the hedonistic capital of America.

We expected a plethora of candles, altar boys in white, “Hark! the Herald Angels Sing” and the Christmas Story with a manger and sheep and angels all around.

we start teaching him about liquor and women?”

That gang of warrior pros who were the Bistro dining room turned Adam into a masterful waiter. And taught him how to hold his liquor.

Eventually Adam and Marianne opened their own place — The Blue Marlin — on Bridge Street. They delivered consistently excellent food and service. That sense of “striving for perfection” was there. And then the Great Deluge — Horrible Helene.

After that damn storm, many were concerned whether Adam and Marianne could rebuild the Marlin amid the wreckage that was Bridge Street.

They took a line from the poem “If.”

FEB. 5, 2025 • Vol. 33, No. 15

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Instead, the priest droned out that dreadful “begatten” gospel. The one where Abraham begat Isaac, and Isaac begat Moses, and Moses begat Mick and Mick begat the Rolling Stones!

“If you can meet with triumph and disaster, And treat those two imposters just the same. If you can watch the things you gave your life to broken, and stoop with worn-out tools to build again.”

The kids were asleep in five minutes. We snuck out the back, just like in grade school.

The restaurant business on the islands has its own begatten story.

Almost every restaurant of signifi cance on Anna Maria, Longboat and the Sarasota hinterlands was begatten by Murph “Doc” Klauber.

Doc founded The Colony resort and restaurant, and its graduates begat Harry’s, Euphemia Haye, Cafe L’Europe and, of course, Michaels on East. Doc also begat me at the Beach Bistro on Anna Maria.

Doc taught us that if you strived for perfection, you could achieve a high degree of excellence a good part of the time, and if you weren’t going to strive then you should just get the hell out of the kitchen.

The Bistro did some of its own begatten. Chefs and waiters trained according to the Doc’s philosophy at the Beach Bistro are running excellent local eateries all over Manatee County — Vicki at Isola Bella, Matt Bowers at Hank’s, Jen at Chateau 13.

One of my favorite graduates is Adam Ellis, who created the Blue Marlin with his amazing wife Marianne, one of Mike Norman’s exceptional daughters.

Adam came to the Bistro when he was about 15. JP our maitre d’, trained him on his first day.

“He’s great Murph. He will work out fine. When can

There are sounds of those worn-out tools all around the Marlin cottage, as Adam and Marianne muster the courage to rebuild.

Ages ago, on Adam’s last night at the Bistro, I watched from the bar as he punched in orders and picked up drinks.

He looked exhausted. He was working every day to get the Marlin open and working every night at the Bistro because he needed the money.

“What’s up Adam? You’re looking grumpy.”

“I know. I don’t know what it is. The customers are really getting to me tonight.”

“Have a glass of wine. It will get you through.”

“I’ve been drinking all night. It’s not helping.”

Our island now has hundreds of stories of courageous rebuilding, of people in “dubious battle” struggling against odds.

“The Blue Marlin” is writing one of those stories.

— Sean Murphy

There are many graduates of the Beach Bistro School, too many to be named here. We are grateful that so many are finding their way back to us.

Sean Murphy is proprietor of the Doctor’s Office and the Doctor’s Garden, a craft cocktail bar with fine dining in an intimate setting in

Gathering Obituaries

Claude Scott Doig

Claude S. Doig, 89, of Bradenton and formerly of Anna Maria, died Jan. 23.

Longboat chapel to host Super Bowl party

The Longboat Island Chapel will hold a Super Bowl party early enough Sunday, Feb. 9, that football fans will be hungry again by game-time.

The barbecue lunch will be served at 11 a.m. in the Shook Fellowship Hall for a $15 donation.

The chapel also will celebrate Valentine’s Day 5-7 Friday, Feb. 14, with a four-course dinner, wine and music.

Tickets are $50 and reservations are required as there are only 50 seats.

For more information, call 941-383-6491.

The chapel is at 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key.

Cellist at church

Cellist Marcus Anderson will accompany choirs at Roser Memorial Community Church during 8:30 a.m. and 10 a.m. services Sunday, Feb. 9. Anderson, who played

the cello for 14 years, studied music at State College of Florida and the University of South Florida. He’ll perform with Roser’s chancel and youth choirs at the church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. For more info, call 941-778-0414. Islander Courtesy Photo

Doig

He was born Sept. 12, 1935, and raised on his family’s ranch in Big Timber, Montana. He was the second oldest son of Claude Spencer and Dora Doig. He graduated from Sweet Grass High School in 1953 and went on to study divinity at the University of Montana. He lived in several places across the United States and was very well traveled. He eventually settled in the Bradenton Beach area with his son Scott in 1976.

He had many talents and interests, including journalism, culinary arts, fused-glass jewelry, ceramics, painting and gardening. “Long story short,” as he used to say, he was a man who wore many hats.

Mr. Doig is survived by sister Darlene Forhart; son Scott; granddaughters Heather and Savannah, former daughter-in-law Carolyn Pickard and family friend Marsha Lindsey.

Gwendolyn E. Romberger

Gwendolyn E. Romberger, 86, of Bradenton Beach, died Jan. 26, in Cape May Court House, New Jersey. She was born Jan. 5, 1939, in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.

She was a beacon of kindness and friendliness in the lives of all who knew her.

She had an enduring love for the beach, dividing her time between Stone Harbor, New Jersey, and Bradenton Beach. A dedicated member of the

Moose Lodge No. 2188 in Bradenton Beach, she also had a fondness for mermaids, seashells and the art of antiquing. She will be profoundly missed and forever remembered by her community, friends and family. Services will be private. Memorial donations may be made to Save the Manatee, 317 Wekiva Springs Road, Suite 100, Longwood, FL 32779. Condolences may be made at radzieta.com

Mrs. Romberger is survived by her son Tim and his wife Meredith; grandchildren Jared, Logan, and Sarah; and brother-in-law and sister-in-law, David and Shirley.

Roque Pastorius

Roque Pastorius, 61, of Bradenton and formerly of Cortez, died Jan. 30.

He was a husband, father, son, brother, grandfather, uncle, cousin and a great friend to many. He was an entertainer, a storyteller, and the life of every party.

He was the founder and operator of the Island Monkey Bus, a transportation service on Anna Maria Island that he sold in 2022.

A sunset gathering and celebration of life was to be held at 5 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 4, at Coquina Beach South, followed by a gathering at 7 p.m. at Swordfish Grill in Cortez, where stories will be shared and his legacy of love, laughter and mischief will live on.

Mr. Pastorius leaves behind his wife, Kathy; daughters Cassandra and husband Andrew Johnson, Stephanie and Michelle Pastorius-Lapinski and husband Shaun; parents Delores and Maynard; siblings Jody and husband Tom Tschida and Todd and wife DeeDee; grandchildren Morgan, Grace Brown, Hunter, Levi, and Wyatt Lapinski; his beloved dog Ricco and many other family and friends that loved him dearly and a world that is a little more empty and a lot quieter now without him.

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C O N CERT S ERIES

ON AMI

Wednesday, Feb. 12

6:30 p.m. — Island Time Book Club, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341.

ONGOING ON AMI

• Throughout February, Artists’ Guild of Anna Maria Island exhibits watercolorist Tim Cunningham’s work, Artists’ Guild Gallery, 5414 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6694.

OFF AMI

Thursday, Feb. 6

10 a.m. — Sailor Valentine crafting, the Folk School at the Florida Maritime Museum, 4415 119th St. W., Cortez. Fee applies. Information: 941-708-6120.

Friday, Feb. 7

7-9 p.m. — The Florida Highwaymen show and sale, Palma Sola Botanical Park, 9800 17th Ave. NW, Bradenton. Information: 941-761-2866.

Saturday, Feb. 8

11 a.m.-3 p.m. — The Florida Highwaymen show and sale, Palma Sola Botanical Park, 9800 17th Ave. NW, Bradenton. Information: 941-761-2866.

ONGOING OFF AMI

• First Fridays, 6-9:30 p.m., Village of the Arts First Fridays Artwalk, 12th Street West and 12th Avenue West, Bradenton. Information: villageofthearts.com.

• Second and fourth Saturdays, 2-4 p.m., Florida Maritime Museum’s Music on the Porch, 4415 119th St. W., Cortez. Information: 941-708-6120.

• Throughout February, Island Gallery and Studios’ “Stay Golden” exhibit featuring Sue Elliott’s art, 456 Old Main St., Bradenton. Information: 941-778-6648.

• Through Feb. 25, “I want you to know my story” photography by Jess T. Dugan, the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, 5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota. Fee applies except Mondays. Information: 941-359-5700.

• Through March 31, Shona Stone Sculpting with resident artist Brighton Tendayi, Palma Sola Botanical Park, EnnYe Gallery, 9800 17th Ave. NW, Bradenton. Information: 941-761-2866.

• Through May 18, “America at a Crossroads: The Guitar and a Changing Nation,” the Bishop, the Bishop Museum, 201 10th St. W., Bradenton. Fee applies. Information: 941-746-4131.

• Various Mondays through May 12, Ringling by the Bay! performances, the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, 5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota. Fee applies. Information: 941-359-5700.

MARKETS & SALES

ONGOING ON AMI

• Most Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Coquina Beach Market, South Coquina Beach, Bradenton Beach. Information: 041-840-0789.

• Tuesdays, 9 a.m.-2 p.m., Anna Maria Community Market,

Center of Anna Maria Island, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria. Information: 941-778-1908.

ONGOING OFF AMI

• Saturdays, 9 a.m.-2 p.m., Bradenton Public Market, Main Street. Information: 941-301-8445.

KIDS

&

FAMILY

ON AMI

Friday, Feb. 7

10 a.m. — Forty Carrots/Partners in Play, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341. 2 p.m. — Paper crafting, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341.

6-8 p.m. — Family Night at the Center, Center of Anna Maria Island, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria. Information: 941-7781908.

Saturday, Feb. 8

10 a.m. — LEGO Challenge, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341.

2 p.m. — Paper crafting, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341.

Monday, Feb. 10

9 a.m.-7 p.m. — Boggle Our Mind, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341.

Tuesday, Feb. 11

11:30 a.m. — Family Storytime, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341.

CLUBS & COMMUNITY

ONGOING ON AMI

• Thursdays, 6 p.m., Annie Silver Community Center Bingo night, 103 23rd St. N., Bradenton Beach. Information: 941-2241973.

• Saturdays, 8:30 a.m., Anna Maria Island Kiwanis Club, Bradenton Beach City Hall, 107 Gulf Drive N. Information: 941-7781383.

LESSONS & LEARNING ON AMI

Wednesday, Feb. 5

11 a.m. — Spice Blending lesson, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341. Thursday, Feb. 6

2 p.m. — Friends of the Island Library Lecture and Travel Series with author Patricia Gussin, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341.

SPORTS & FITNESS ON AMI

Friday, Feb. 7

11:30 a.m. — Mahjong for Beginners, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341. Tuesday, Feb. 11

11:30 a.m. — Mahjong for Experienced Players, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341.

ONGOING ON AMI

• Wednesdays, 11:30 a.m., Holy Yoga, Roser Memorial Community Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. Information: 941- 7612866.

• Saturdays in February, 9-11 a.m., Let’s Skate lessons through

the Center of Anna Maria Island, Island Skate Park, 5901 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Fee applies: Information: 941-778-1908.

ONGOING OFF AMI

• Feb. 6-9, 2025 Founders Cup LPGA golf tournament, Bradenton Country Club, 4646 Ninth Ave. W., Bradenton. Fee applies. Information: thefounderslpga.com.

OUTDOORS & NATURE OFF AMI

Friday, Feb. 7

5:45 p.m. — Manatee County Natural Resources’ Finding Romance in Nature, Robinson Preserve, 1704 99th St. NW, Bradenton. Information: 941-748-4501.

6 p.m. — Manatee County Natural Resources’ Game Night at the Nest, 840 99th St. NW, Bradenton. Information: 941-7484501.

Monday, Feb. 10

5:30 p.m. — Manatee County Natural Resources’ Tai Chi at the Nest, 840 99th St. NW, Bradenton. Information: 941-748-4501.

ONGOING OFF AMI

• Fourth Thursdays through April, 6 p.m., Manatee County Natural Resources’ Nature Nights at the Nest, Robinson Preserve, 840 99th St. NW, Bradenton. Information: 941-748-4501.

• Saturdays, 9 a.m., Manatee County Natural Resources’ Saturday Mornings at the Nest, Robinson Preserve, 840 99th St. NW, Bradenton. Information: 941-748-4501.

Send

From the Feb. 2, 1995, issue

• Before the Super Bowl began, law enforcement conducted raids in Manatee County for gambling, including at the island office of Florida Homebuyers Insurance and at several island residences. Four islanders were arrested.

• Bradenton Beach held a celebration to dedicate the Tingley Memorial Library, funded with a bequest by Beulah Tingley, who had a vision for the institution.

From the Feb. 2, 2005, issue

• Construction began in Holmes Beach for a twostory elementary school. A groundbreaking ceremony was held in late January 2005, followed by construction of the building.

• A motorist pulled from Anna Maria Sound after his vehicle crashed through a guard rail on the Anna Maria Island Bridge and plunged into the water was arrested for driving under the influence.

From the Feb. 4, 2015, issue

• Bradenton Beach Mayor William Shearon was facing a campaign for his recall from office and he had plans to challenge the effort. The mayor said accusations of Sunshine Law violations were false.

• The U.S. Coast Guard rescued a man stranded on Passage Key. He’d been trying to sail from Clearwater to Sarasota, grounded his boat and swam to the key.

— Lisa Neff

Full slate of sports return with weather warmup

by Kevin P. Cassidy Islander Reporter

After six weeks of adult flag football league action at the Center of Anna Maria Island, Moss Builders and Floridian Mortgage are locked in a tie for first place.

Moss Builders is 5-0, having played one less game than Floridian Mortgage, which boasts a 5-1 record. Gulf Drive Cafe and Moss Air follow with 4-1 records, while Coaster Continent holds down fi fth place with a 3-2 record. Solid Rock Construction is right behind at 3-3.

Ross Built and Slicker’s Eatery follow at 2-4 and 2-3 respectively. MI-Box at 1-4, Reel Coastal Properties at 1-5 and 0-6 Slim’s Place round out the standings.

Week 6 action kicked off Jan. 30 with Slicker’s Eatery edging Ross Built 33-26, which would normally be a contender for game of the week. Another competitive game saw Moss Air outscore Reel Coastal Properties 41-27, while the last game of the night saw Floridian Mortgage cruise to a 32-8 victory over MI-Box.

The game of the week saw Coaster Continent and Solid Rock Construction battle to a 40-40 tie in regulation, which sent the game to overtime. However, overtime didn’t break the tie and Solid Rock was awarded the victory on greater yardage gained during the contest.

Tuna McCracken paced Solid Rock with six TD passes, including three to Jesse Griffin and two to Tyler Brewer. Gavin Metzger finished with one TD grab and an extra point, while Connor Ludwig completed the scoring with three extra point catches.

Andre’s Famous Gumbo Made-Fresh Daily Breakfast & Lunch Sandwiches & Salads

Pressed Cubans . Chicken Salad . Soup du Jour Dog food, household items, cold beverages, beer, wine, cigs. FRIENDLY SERVICE! Look for the BLUE market at the light 51st & Manatee 5104 Manatee Ave W . Bradenton . 941.896.6245

Matt Manger threw four TD passes and ran for another score to lead the Coaster Continent offense, which also received two TD catches and a TD pass from Anthony Mannino. Octavious Cole finished with two TD catches in addition to a 2-point and extra-point conversion.

Youth football action

Jiffy Lube and Sato Real Estate are on top of the 11-13 division standings with 3-0 records after three weeks of action in the youth flag football league.

Moss Builders and Solid Rock Air Conditioning are right behind with 2-1 records, followed by Poppo’s Taqueria and Salty Printing, while Sandhoff Construction and Shady Lady Horticultural Services are still searching for a victory.

Action Jan. 27 saw Jiffy Lube cruise to a 27-10 victory over Salty Printing in the opening game, while

Moss Builders dominated Sandhoff Construction 34-12 in the last 11-13 division game of the night. In between those contests, Sato Real Estate received a forfeit victory over Shady Lady when Shady couldn’t fi eld a complete team.

The 11-13 division game of the week saw Solid Rock Air Conditioning outlast Poppo’s Taqueria 34-26 behind a huge game from Hayden Eurice. Eurice threw a pair of touchdown passes, ran for two TDs and added a pair of interceptions on defense, including one he returned for a touchdown. Kyle Mims added two TD receptions and a pair of extra points for Solid Rock Air Conditioning in the victory.

Tyler Higman threw a pair of TD passes and ran for two scores to lead Poppo’s, which also received two touchdown grabs from Sawyer Leibfried and a 2-point conversion from Kellen Reed in the loss.

The 14-17 age division standings are tight with Cortez Florida Vacations, Moss Builders, Solid Rock Construction and Solid Rock Electrical tied for first place with 2-1 records. HSH Designs at 1-2 and Reel Coastal Properties at 0-3 complete the standings.

Action Jan. 27 saw Solid Rock Air Conditioning earn a convincing 26-12 victory over Reel Coastal Properties in the second game of the night, while HSH Design held on for a 26-24 victory over Cortez Florida Vacations in the last game of the night.

But the game of the week was a battle between Moss Builders and Solid Rock Electrical to a 12-12 tie that remained that way even after an overtime period. Solid Rock Electrical was awarded the victory based on higher yardage gained in the game.

David Evans threw a TD pass to Blake Stoops, while adding an interception that he took to the house for a TD to lead Solid Rock Electrical in the victory.

Mason Moss threw one TD pass to Audrey Guess, while also running for a TD for Moss Builders.

PLeASe See SPORTS NeXT PAGe

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By Lisa Neff

A manatee migration

Wait. Not even the Florida manatee is “native?” I’m used to encountering nonnative Floridians most days, folks who aren’t Florida born and raised. I came to Florida from Illinois.

I’m also used to seeing nonnative plants adorning our roadsides, curbsides and yards — even the types of grass spread across those yards.

But I never thought to consider the native status of the humble loveable manatee.

New research published by University of South Florida anthropology professor Thomas Pluckhahn and George Washington University archaeology professor David Thulman states that, for centuries, manatees might have occasionally swum in Florida waters, but only for a short visit before returning to the Caribbean.

The research indicates manatees did not become common in Florida until after European colonization in the 1500s. The research involved analyzing more than 2 million animal bones collected at excavations in the state but finding only a dozen manatee bones.

From the research paper: “For the more than

Horseshoe action

Three teams advanced from pool play with 3-0 records and settled things in a playoff during Jan. 29 horseshoe action at the Anna Maria City Hall pits.

Tom Farrington and Tom Skoloda drew the bye into the finals and watched as Adin Shank and Tim Sofran cruised to a 23-7 victory over Bob Hawks. Shank and Sofran stayed hot in the finals, cruising to a 24-6 victory over Farrington and Skoloda to earn the day’s bragging rights.

Sofran earned another trip to the winner’s circle on Feb. 1, this time teaming up with Farrington to earn an easy 22-4 victory over Dom Livedoti and John Pocccynek in the championship match.

Play gets started at 9 a.m. Wednesdays and Saturdays at the Anna Maria City Hall pits. Warmups begin at 8:45 a.m. followed by random team selection.

KRC golf news

There was a full week of golf action at the Key Royale Club in Holmes Beach.

ers wrote, and then added, “we find this hypothesis unlikely for several reasons.”

Their reasons are that precolonial Native American settlement generally favored areas in proximity to coastal estuaries and interior rivers and springs, the same habitats favored by manatees and several taxa that were either rare or widely dispersed in Florida, such as the great auk and Florida panther, are better represented in the bones collected than the manatee.

Another explanation is that manatees, present in greater numbers, were hunted and their bones were returned to the water in keeping with cultural tradition.

However, the researchers wrote, “even under the unlikely assumption that similar disposal traditions held across the entirety of Native peoples of Florida for thousands of years, we would expect more manatee bones to have been recovered from the more than 40,000 archaeological sites recorded in the state.”

Tues-Sat 11-8:30

13,000 years of Indigenous Precolonial occupation of Florida, we have been able to identify claims for the identification of one or more manatee bones from nine archaeological sites, five of which are problematic owing to lack of provenience or secure taxonomic identification. Two more are more securely identified taxonomically, but the bone is fossilized so may not be contemporaneous with human interactions. We consider … possible explanations for why manatees are so poorly represented in the archaeological record of Precolonial Florida.”

One possibility is that precolonial manatee populations approximated those of today but were more diffusely dispersed over a range of habitats, the research-

The men played their weekly modified-Stableford system match Jan. 27 and Mike Cusato and Rob Perkins finished in a tie for first place with matching scores of plus-4. Jim Bailey, Jim Hitchen and Rich Salzburg were a point back in a three-way tie for second, while Jenny Huibers, Brian Hogan, Dale Hudson and John Soler finished in a four-way tie for third place at plus-2.

The women got out for a nine-hole individuallow-net game Jan. 28 that saw Jenny Huibers grab clubhouse bragging rights for the day with an evenpar 32, one stroke ahead of second-place finisher Judy Christensen. Linda Dorsey, Debbie DuVernay, Jana Samuels and Jan Turner were in a cluster that finished in third place at 2-over-par 34.

Members played a nine-hole scramble Jan. 30 to close out their week of golf with winners Brian Comer, Jean O’Donohue, Declan O’Donohue and Kevin Brecheny combining on a 4-under-par 28.

A third explanation is that manatees were here in abundance but there is a lack of bones because they were rarely hunted. However, if that’s the case, how come writings from Florida expeditions lack mentions of the sea cows? The first reliable written narratives of manatees in Florida date to a period of British rule in the late 1700s.

And so, the researchers hypothesize that manatees were not present in any significant numbers in precolonial Florida.

They wrote, “We think the most likely explanation is that manatees were not present in anything close to their current numbers or extent. One possibility is that manatees were not present at all and these few specimens represent material acquired through trade with Indigenous peoples elsewhere in the Caribbean. The fact that the better-documented specimens from Precolonial archaeological contexts had been fashioned into tools or ornaments may support this conjecture.”

They also said manatees might have migrated north from the Caribbean when climate conditions favored range extension.

Day

Come for a special German treat on Friday, Feb. 14. Choose from our regular menu or have our Three-Course Menu including Oxtail Soup, Prime Beef Tenderloin Medaillions and dessert, Mousse au Chocolat with Ginger. R

ITEMS FOR SALE

RACK: METAL FOUR-tier, $20. 941-9202494.

ANTIQUE PARTNER DESK: All wood, $500. Inquire at The Islander, 941-778-7978.

FREEBIE ITEMS FOR SALE

Individuals may place one free ad with up to three items, each priced $100 or less, 15 words or less. FREE, one week, must be submitted online. Email classifieds@islander. org. (limited time offer).

TRANSPORTATION

GOLF CART RENTALS: Fun for residents and tourists! 212-941-2402. www.GolfCartRentalAMI.com.

BOATS & BOATING

HAVE A BOAT and wanna catch more fish, better bait or learn the water? 50-year local fisherman, your boat, my knowledge. Captain Chris, 941-896-2915.

SUNCOAST BOTTOM PAINTING: Professional bottom painting. Mobile. Call 941704-9382.

CAPTAIN FOR HIRE and boat caretaker services: If you need help with your boat on or off the water, call Captain Dan. USCG, retired. 772-486-8085.

WELCOME ABOARD JOYFISH Charters for private fishing, sunset cruises, and dolphin watching. Check out joyfishcharters.com or follow us on Facebook. Call to reserve, 941840-3181.

LOOKING FOR AN EARLY BIRD? You can read Wednesday’s classifieds on Tuesday at islander.org. And it’s FRee!

~ Cleanups Hauling ~ Tree Trimming. LICENSED & INSURED

Paradise Improvements

941.792.5600

Kitchen and Bath Remodeling Specialist Replacement Doors and Windows

BOATS & BOATING Continued

1989 COM-PAC 27MK/II SAILBOAT: Very good condition, no storm damage, new bottom paint and Genoa, recent autopilot and charger, six-foot, one-inch headroom, enclosed head, propane stove and more. $22,500. 727-479-4919.

HELP WANTED

HELP WANTED: RETAIL salesclerk. Parttime, flexible hours including nights and weekends. Competitive starting pay, based on experience. Call or stop by the Island Trader gift shop, 941-778-5909.

NOW HIRING HANDYMAN: Full-time professional services. $18 an hour and up, based on experience. Call JayPros, 941962-2874.

REPORTER WANTED: Full- to part-time. Print media, newspaper experience required. Apply via email with letter of interest to news@islander.org.

KIDS FOR HIRE

KIDS FOR HIRE ads are FREE for up to three weeks for Island youths under 16 looking for work. Ads must be placed in person at The Islander office, 315 58th St. Suite J, Holmes Beach.

HEALTH CARE

SEASONAL RETIRED RN available to assist with your family or your needs, 20 years’ experience. For more information please, call 973-819-2824.

SERVICES

IS YOUR HOME or office in need of some cleaning? Well, I’m your girl! Local, reliable, professional! Please, give me a call or text, 941-773 -0461.

CLEANING: VACATION, CONSTRUCTION, residential, commercial and windows. Licensed and insured. 941-756-4570.

PRESSURE WASHING, PAVER sealing, driveway, roof, fence, pool area. Also, window cleaning. Licensed and insured. 941-5653931.

BICYCLE REPAIRS: Just4Fun at 5358 Gulf Drive can do most any bicycle repair at a reasonable cost. Pick-up and delivery available. 941-896-7884.

API’S DRYWALL REPAIR: I look forward to servicing your drywall repair needs. Call 941524-8067 to schedule an appointment.

PC OR TECH issues? Not sure where to start? With years of experience, I’ll come to you with reliable solutions. Contact Gavin at 928-587-1309. www.gse.codes

SARASOTA PAINTING: INTERIOR/exterior/ cabinets: Call or text Don, 941-900-9398. Free estimates. Fully insured, twenty years’ experience.

SERVICES

RIDEEASY 247 YOUR professional, reliable and courteous car service to airports and events since 2015. You can reach us via text 941-447-7737 or email to mrfort5001@gmail. com. We are available 24/7.

LOOK NO MOR e ! Residential, vacation rental and commercial cleaning. Give us a call, 941-250-8548.

LOOKING FOR SOMEONE who needs me: Clean, house-sit. I can cook, make sandwiches. I can do anything you can do but better! I can run to the grocery store for you. I can walk pets or go out to lunch with you. Looking for a part-time job caregiving companion, I am your right arm! I love people and I love helping others. I have references and I’m reliable and dependable. My name is Dena Gray a.k.a. Sparkles! 941-704-9948.

OUR SERVICES: CLEANING, home repairs, tile, concrete, remodeling, decks, steps, flooring, water drainage solutions, rental 24-hour services. Hurricane shutters and pre-storm service. New, low-cost generator and insulation (starts and runs on propane when power off). No permits needed. Islander, over 40 years here! Call 941-4049163.

IS YOUR POOL deck, driveway, or garage floor looking worn out and dated? Bring them back to life with our top-tier resurfacing services! Services offered: Pool deck resurfacing, Slip-resistant, cool-to-the-touch finishes that enhance safety and aesthetics. Driveway resurfacing, durable surfaces that stand up to heavy traffic and harsh weather. Garage floor resurfacing, easy-to-clean, stain-resistant surfaces that look great and perform even better. Don’t wait! Transform your spaces today with our trusted resurfacing services. Contact us now for a free consultation and estimate. Call U Plus Me LLC at 727-6235050 or visit u-plus-me.com

WINDOW CLEANING: DOWNEAST Window Cleaning, 207-852-6163.

AIRPORT SHUTTLE: QUALITY transportation, 10 years by Lewber. 352-339-3478.

BUSINESS-TO-BUSINESS JD’s Window Cleaning looking for storefront jobs in Holmes Beach. I make dirty windows sparkling clean. 941-920-3840.

BEACH SERVICE air conditioning, heat, refrigeration. Commercial and residential service, repair and/or replacement. Serving Manatee County and the Island since 1987. For dependable, honest and personalized service, call b ill e ller, 941-7207411. Residential, call Nate, 941-524-2248. CAC184228.

CLEAN TECH MOBILE Detailing. At your location. Cars, boats, RVs. Call or text Billie for an appointment. 941-592-3482.

LAWN & GARDEN

The Islander newspaper is FREE at Publix Holmes Beach. Just stop by the customer service desk, hold out your hand and say, “Islander, please!” And maybe remind

CONNIe’S LANDSCAPING INC. Residential and commercial. Full-service lawn maintenance, landscaping, cleanups, hauling and more! Insured. 941-713-1965.

COLLINS LANDSCAPE LIGHTING: Outdoor lighting, landscaping, irrigation services and maintenance. 941-279-9947. MJC24373@ gmail.com

I S L A N D E R C

LAWN & GARDEN

NOW HAULING STORM trash. Shell delivered and spread. Hauling all kinds of gravel, mulch, topsoil with free estimates. Call Larry at 941-795-7775, or “shell phone” 941-7200770.

HOME IMPROVEMENT

VAN-GO PAINTING residential/commercial, interior/exterior, pressure cleaning, wallpaper. Island references. bill, 941-795-5100. www.vangopainting.net.

GRIFFIN’S HOME IMPROVEMENTS Inc. Handyman, fine woodwork, countertops, cabinets and wood flooring. Insured and licensed. 941-722-8792.

LANE’S SCREENING SERVICES: Replace your window, door or lanai screens. Many screen options available. Retired veteran serving our community! Free estimates, call 941-705-5293.

LOOKING FOR ANY home improvement?

JRCC Home Improvement, handyman service can get the job done. Please, contact us at 413-246-2410. We would love to help.

TILE-TILE-TILE: All variations of ceramic tile supplied and installed. Quality workmanship, prompt, reliable, many Island references. Call Ashdown Flooring, 941-726-3077.

DONALD P e RKINS PAINTING LLC. Interior/exterior/pressure washing. Island references. dperkinspaint@hotmail.com. 941705-7096.

GORILLA DRYWALL R e PAIR LLC. Let’s solve your drywall problems together. Give us a call at 941-286-0607.

MASSEY CONTRACTING: PROVIDING quality roofing services on all jobs, big or small. Giving honest, hassle-free quotes at a great price. Call Jon to schedule your free estimate, 727-477-5313. Lic#CCC1332486.

CALL HYDRO CLEAN. Full-service pressure washing, sealing. Pavers, travertine and natural stone. Window washing too, up to three stories. Call Jacob, 941-920-2094.

ISLAND HANDYMAN: I live here, work here, value your referral. Refinish, paint. Just ask. JayPros. Licensed/insured. References. Call Jay, 941-962-2874.

RENTALS

ANNA MARIA GULF beachfront vacation rentals. One- two- and three-bedroom units, all beachfront. www.amiparadise.com. 941778-3143.

AVAILABLE NOW AND season: 1BR/1BA, seven-night minimum. carlesvacationrentals. com. Special rates are available. 941-8071405.

MAY 2025 AVAILABLE: Snowbird special! Perico Island patio home, single floor, high ceilings, 3BR/2BA, privacy wall/gate, twocar garage. Call or text Alison, 859-7716423. www.pericoislandrental.com

MINUTES TO BEACHES! 2BR/2BA condo, water and cable included, pool, washer/dryer, $1,795/month, annual, 941-713-6743.

RENTALS Continued

AVAILABLE MARCH 1 FOR rent: Anna Maria Island condo. Seasonal and annual rental availability. Great value. Beautiful upgraded first floor 2BR/2BR. Incredible water view. Excellent rental terms. Owner/ renter. Call/email for pics, 570-239-0431. marketreps@aol.com.

RENTAL: MARCH, APRIL, May. 1BR/1BA condo, second floor, all inclusive. West Bradenton. 941-962-0971.

ANNUAL RENTAL: 2BR/1BA, all new appliances, backyard and small pet allowed. $1,900 month. 4412 100th St. W. Bradenton. Call Mike Norman Realty, 941-778-6696.

FOR SALE OR lease: Downtown Bradenton, west end of the Riverwalk, a dynamic 55-plus walk-a-bout community. 2BR/2BA has panoramic views of Manatee River and Marina. Geri Kenyon, 941-725-4374. Florida Suncoast Real estate.

2BR/1BA ON ISLAND: $2,575/month plus flat $300 for utilities. All remodeled with new appliances unfurnished. Ground-level duplex home, steps to Gulf. Retired owneroccupied. No pets. Nonsmoking. 508-4968480. williamshomes@yahoo.com

ANNUAL RENTAL IN Holmes Beach. 2BR/2BA ground-level, all new appliances. Two off-street parking spaces. $2,500/ month. First month and security. Call 941565-8407.

LANDSIDE VILLA: 2BR/2BA plus den, twocar garage. Amenities, pool, clubhouse, RV, boat storage lot. $2,600/month. Real Estate Mart, 941-356-1456.

VACATION RENTAL: Deluxe 2BR/2BA villa. Available April/May until December. $2,900/ month. Real Estate Mart, 941-356-1456.

REAL ESTATE

WINNIE MCHALE, REALTOR, 941-5046146. Dalton Wade Real estate. You need an aggressive and experienced Realtor in today’s market! Selling island homes, Sarasota and Bradenton areas. Multi-milliondollar producer! “Selling Homes - Making Dreams Come True.”

MULTIPLE HOMES IN 55-plus lot rent park for sale in Bradenton. Some fully furnished under $20,000. Call Kathryn with Integrity Mobile Home Sales. 407-674-0220.

OPEN HOUSE: 1-3 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 9. 2BR/2BA Seaside Gardens canalfront villa. $695,000. 434 63rd St., Holmes Beach. Gail Tutewiler, Island Real Estate. 941-7050227.

OPEN HOUSE: 1-3 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 9. 3BR/2.5BA canalfront home on large corner lot. $1,095,000. 501 65th St., Holmes Beach. Gail Tutewiler, 941-705-0227.

FOR SALE BY Owner: Perico Bay Club. 2BR/2BA villa, enclosed garage, lake view. Gated community, guard. Completely renovated, turnkey. Minutes to beaches. Rental opportunities. Call Bob, 732-673-4684.

MORE BANG FOR YOUR BUCK? It’s an old saying, but it’s still true when it comes to The Islander. Look for more online at islander. org.

REAL ESTATE Continued

NORTHWEST BRADENTON CUSTOM home: 2BR/2BA, two-car garage and nice garden area. Amenities, heated pool and spa, clubhouse, boat pier and sunsets on Tampa Bay. $795,000. Real Estate Mart, 941-356-1456.

COMMERCIAL BUILDING: 15th Street east, near airport. 4,000 sf, 21 paved parking spaces, loading dock. $899,000. Real Estate Mart, 941-356-1456.

COMMERCIAL SPACE in Palm Condo. 12x25-foot office suite. Street frontage. $120,000. Rent $1,500. Call 941-730-2606.

Consider delay for air, water temps to warm to head out to fish

by Capt. Danny Stasny Islander Reporter

Although anglers on Anna Maria Island are experiencing some exceptional weather conditions made of warm breezes and air temps in the upper 70s, fishing inshore is challenging.

Although we had a warmup, water temps are hovering in the mid- to upper-50s thanks to the overnight low temps, and that’s still a little chilly for many of the inshore species we like to target.

If you’re staying inshore, try to find areas where water temps are slightly higher. You can also plan to get out slightly later than normal to let the sunshine do its magic and warm the waters.

Although catching fish is harder than normal, a little determination and patience will go a long way if you’re on the fish. They may not be as apt to pursue a bait, but with enough convincing they may venture over for a little taste. Then it’s up to you to set the hook for the battle that ensures.

If the inshore bite just isn’t supplying the fix you need, you can venture into the Gulf of Mexico to try bottom fishing. In depths of 40-60 feet the water temps remain more consistent, which seems to yield a better bite.

Live shrimp on a knocker rig will attract many species to the hook in these areas. Sheepshead, snappers, porgies, grunts and hogfish are susceptible to live shrimp on a hook, which can produce quite a bit of action in a short period of time. It’ll take longer to get out there than it will to fill the cooler with enough fish for a fish fry, so be ready for action and be sure to carry

MIKE NORMAN REALTY EST. 1978

For professional real estate needs, call a TRUE ISLAND NATIVE, born and raised on AMI, selling the “Island Dream” for over 25 years, right here with her family.

Marianne Norman-Ellis SALES ASSOCIATE

941.778.6696 | 941.685.3393 Mike Norman Realty

of bait.

On my Just Reel charters I’m finding good action while inshore fi shing, although it’s taking patience and determination to pull it off. Spotted seatrout are responding to live shrimp, either free-lined or rigged with a split shot. Typically, once the trout are located, there are a bunch of them in the vicinity, which can yield a fairly consistent bite.

Fishing around the Gulf beaches is producing action on sheepshead, black drum and whiting, with a few permit mixed in for lucky anglers. Moving to deeper water in the Gulf, bottom fishing is providing action.

Species such as sheepshead, snappers, hogfi sh, porgies and grunts are quite abundant and are ideal for those hoping for a fish dinner.

Capt. Wes Wildman says nearshore fishing is where it’s at— although chilly water temps are causing inshore species to seem lethargic and finicky.

In depths of 40-50 feet of water, Wildman is finding plenty of action while fishing ledges and hard bottom in the Gulf of Mexico. Species such as flounder, sheepshead and Key West grunts are frequent, while species such as hogfish and mangrove snapper are mixed in.

Wildman is employing a 1- to 2-ounce knocker rig topped off with a live shrimp to get a bite. During stronger tides, more weight is required to get the bait down to the bottom, where the fish lurk.

Capt. David White is finding action on sheepshead and redfish while working inshore in Tampa Bay. Fishing canals, seawalls and docks is producing a some-

what consistent bite as the water temps in these areas are generally a couple of degrees higher than the waters out in the open. The small difference in temperature seems to help the fish find their comfort zone and take a bait.

Moving out into the Gulf, White is targeting hogfish. Using live shrimp as bait is leading to hogs 3-5 pounds. Mixed in are Key West grunts, porgies and plenty of mid-range groupers.

Send high-resolution photos and fishing reports to fish@islander.org.

Homecoming

The owners of Graze of AMI, the chef-driven market, catering and consulting business in the Anna Maria Island Centre shopping plaza at 3218 E. Bay Drive, Holmes Beach, are bidding AMI adios.

Heather and Jason Hernandez sent a “heartfelt thank you” to their Graze community in a Facebook announcement that they moved to Atlanta and sold the business to islanders Clare and Nathan Dunn.

“While it’s bittersweet to say goodbye … we’re thrilled to see its legacy continue in such capable hands,” they wrote.

Jason has stepped into a role as corporate executive chef for Ascent Hospitality Group, based in Atlanta. And Heather will continue to serve clients of their consulting firm, @bladeandtineculinary.

And with that, their new adventure begins. Meanwhile, Clare Dunn told The Islander in a Feb. 2 email that she and Nathan are “beyond excited.”

She said the pair had their first date on the island 21 years ago, and even named one of their four kids after Three Piers — Pierson.

She called their new venture “a great homecoming.”

With the Super Bowl just around the corner, excitement is building for the faceoff between two incredible teams! With both squads showcasing amazing talent, it’s hard to say who will come out on top. —

Dunn are excited to begin their new business venture

By Bonner Joy

AMI Chamber: Dollars and dinner

RIGHT: Representatives from the organizations that received Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce Trolley Grant checks gather for a photo opportunity Jan. 23 at the Key Royale Club in Holmes Beach. Grant recipients included Anna Maria Elementary Parent Teacher Organization, Anna Maria Island Art League, AMI Garden Club, AMI Privateers, AMI Turtle Watch, AMI Historical Society, Annie Silver Community Center, Artists’ Guild of AMI, Cortez Village Historical Museum, Friends of the Florida Maritime Museum, Friends of the Island Library, Island Players, Kiwanis Club of AMI, Roser Memorial Church, Rotary Club of AMI, Roser Food Pantry, the Center of AMI and Wildlife Inc. The chamber awarded $17,229. Islander Courtesy Photos

Business news Does your business celebrate achievements? Maybe you’re new in business or your staff deserves kudos. Submit your information to news@islander.org.

Honors for the year

Anna Maria island Chamber of Commerce honorees for business of the year gather for a group photo Jan. 23 at the Key Royale Club in Holmes Beach. The chamber recognized Slicker’s Eatery in Cortez, owned by Robert Slicker, in the small business category; Bungalow Beach Resort in Bradenton Beach, owned by Gayle and Jason Luper, in the medium category; and Shore Thing Tiki Cruises in Bradenton Beach, owned by Rick and Adrienne Cardinal, in the large category.